Provision of sandbags in the event of flooding
The distribution of sandbags to residents affected by flooding is a voluntary service provided by the City of Chemnitz. Please only make use of this service if private provisions are no longer sufficient. Sandbags can only be provided in limited quantities and while stocks last. It is therefore necessary to determine the exact requirement, for which the following guidelines apply:
- 3 to 4 sandbags per linear metre for one layer laid crosswise
- 2 sandbags per linear metre for one layer laid lengthways
- 1 layer of sandbags results in an increase of approx. 10 cm
To optimise the use of sandbags to protect against flooding, they must be properly filled and laid. It is important that the sandbags are only filled 2/3 full to achieve the best possible sealing effect. If the bags are filled too full, they cannot adapt to the unevenness and the rest of the shoring. Water can then penetrate almost unhindered.
When filled 2/3 full, a bag weighs approx. 15 kg and contains approx. 10 litres of sand.
Sandbags should be piled up in a similar way to a brick wall, with no gaps in between.
Notes
The sandbags issued remain the property of the City of Chemnitz. Information about the return conditions will be published in good time after the flood in the official gazette and on www.chemnitz.de.It should also be borne in mind that the owners of private properties are generally responsible for flood protection. Section 5 (2) of the Federal Water Act (WHG) states the following:
"Any person who may be affected by flooding is obliged, within the bounds of what is possible and reasonable for him, to take suitable precautionary measures to protect against the adverse consequences of flooding and to minimise damage, in particular to adapt the use of land to the possible adverse consequences of flooding for people, the environment or property."
It is therefore essential to provide your own protective measures.